A plurality of Americans — 49 percent — approve of Obama's job performance, while 48 percent disapprove. This is down from 44 percent approving and 54 percent disapproving in November.

This is the first time Obama's approval rating has been above water since May — weeks after the killing of Osama bin Laden.

The Republican Party is viewed much more unfavorably now than it was in June, with just 43 percent having a favorable view of the Party (down from 49 percent), while 55 percent approve of the Democratic Party (unchanged).

In head-to-head match-ups with the GOP field, Obama leads all the candidates with Rep. Ron Paul and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney polling closest: each trailing 52-45.